Really liked the acting and the cinematography of this film. Some real standout performances by Arie Verveen, Henry Thomas, and Dominique Swain. This movie portrayed the grim, gritty and DIRTY lives of these southerners quite realistically. The art direction was quite nice- and i really liked Henry Thomas' shirts- his character had a great sense of fashion, incidentally. I wasn't quite able to really, really get into the story, the pacing was a little slow. It was nice to see the development of the Flowers character by the end, again beautifully acted by Verveen as subtle and low key. I kept waiting for Swain's character to wash her hair and change her bandage but... it worked well for the denouement in the rain. The most striking thing about the film is the cinematography. Some really nice work here.
28 Reviews
A Girl With Grit
LeonLouisRicci12 January 2013
It's not really plain dirty it is forever filthy. Even the scenes in the rich guys world are stereotypical Southern sleaze that are darkly lit and dusty with layers of sunlight fighting to get in. The folks all look like they are in desperate need of soap and water. So much so that it distracts scene after scene as the viewer is remotely washing these people from their seats.
It is supposedly "realistic" and non Hollywood but to what end. It is so overdone that makeup probably worked overtime and therein it lies. Too much emphasis on the visual and not enough on the motivations or the believability of the characters and plot. It is clichéd and fails to grab hold in the clinch.
Even the central murder scene is half-hearted and so low key that it just fails to be of any significance except to say, we are not being exploitive here. We will do that with the muck and mire and the scabs and puss.
it has some craft work and is not without worth, but the movie is just too heavy handed. The film falls into the White Trash swamp and never rises and is nothing more than a fantasy for trapped, abused women. But even they are not given the catharsis they need. So it all emerges from the dark and the damp as a not so clever, less than satisfying, story of a girl with grit.
It is supposedly "realistic" and non Hollywood but to what end. It is so overdone that makeup probably worked overtime and therein it lies. Too much emphasis on the visual and not enough on the motivations or the believability of the characters and plot. It is clichéd and fails to grab hold in the clinch.
Even the central murder scene is half-hearted and so low key that it just fails to be of any significance except to say, we are not being exploitive here. We will do that with the muck and mire and the scabs and puss.
it has some craft work and is not without worth, but the movie is just too heavy handed. The film falls into the White Trash swamp and never rises and is nothing more than a fantasy for trapped, abused women. But even they are not given the catharsis they need. So it all emerges from the dark and the damp as a not so clever, less than satisfying, story of a girl with grit.
It needs better casting
jordondave-2808514 October 2023
(2004) Plain Dirty/ Briar Patch
DRAMA/THRILLER/ MYSTERY
Sexy looking Dominique Swain as Inez escaping an abusive relationship by involving herself with a much wealthy peer, who is the Henry Thomas character, the first star of E. T. as the abuser and authority figure as Edgar, and his supposedly old friend Flowers. All it is, is 'red necks' or hillbillies and their dysfunctional relationship woes. Karen Allen also stars as the fortune teller. I was able to watch this straight through because of the back wood settings, photography and atmosphere as a theatrical film, even through I was unable to picture both Henry Thomas and Karen Allen as a couple of hillbillies. Simplistic story line with plot holes that's been done before.
Sexy looking Dominique Swain as Inez escaping an abusive relationship by involving herself with a much wealthy peer, who is the Henry Thomas character, the first star of E. T. as the abuser and authority figure as Edgar, and his supposedly old friend Flowers. All it is, is 'red necks' or hillbillies and their dysfunctional relationship woes. Karen Allen also stars as the fortune teller. I was able to watch this straight through because of the back wood settings, photography and atmosphere as a theatrical film, even through I was unable to picture both Henry Thomas and Karen Allen as a couple of hillbillies. Simplistic story line with plot holes that's been done before.
Plain Disappointment
fireheart41222 July 2005
I watched this movie because I am a fan of Dominique Swain's work. Her acting was done well in this movie, but her southern accent wasn't very convincing to me since I actually live in the south myself. All of the acting in this film was decent, regardless of how dull the film actually was. "Plain Dirty" has a lot of stale and boring moments and it moves as slow as molasses. Basically, it is a portrait of southern poverty with little excitement or thrills. There is somewhat of a plot, but it's not very intriguing and I think most viewers would walk away from the film without a second thought about it. There is murder in the film, but it isn't even very convincing. There is love in the film, but it's not moving. There is a variety of characters in the film, but none of them are remotely interesting. The three main characters were lazy, filthy, and dumb in my honest opinion, and I felt nothing emotionally for any of them. It's one of those films where you are sitting there saying to yourself, "Come on, get to the point, when is this going to end!?". On a positive note, I do think the cinematography and the musical score were beautifully done, and complimented the gritty depiction of the south well. All in all, I was disappointed with the movie and found it to be dry and boring. Even if you are a big fan of Dominique Swain, like I am, I still don't recommend this film.
No Nostalgia For This Mud.
rmax30482311 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
It wouldn't be so bad if it were genuinely dirty but it's not. It's just plain muddy. Okay, Dominique Swain, not unpleasant to the view, is married to this young abusive redneck. They live in a tumble-down shack in the Southern swamps where Billy Joe or Edgar or whatever his name is ekes out a living by growing marijuana -- the swine. He has the social skills of a bar room bouncer. He throws his petite wife around as if she were a sack of sweet potatoes and he's mean and crusty towards his bearded handyman, whose brain has only recently emerged from the primordial ooze.
Swain's name is Inez MacBeth, for reasons I can't figure out. She's in love with a rich guy from the neighboring town. She sneaks off to boff him and talk to him about their running away together to the big, sophisticated city of Richmond, Virginia, where, one supposes, they can worship at the Confederate Museum. The rich guy dresses smoothly and treats her well. He loves her for her coarseness. But he's not really interested in running away from the Big House, especially with a married teen ager.
What's a girl to do? What this one does is, between episodes with the rich guy, schtupp the bearded handyman in order to influence him in persuading her husband to give her up for the rich guy. Something like that. I think I nodded out from time to time. He apparently misunderstands her the way the murderers misunderstood Henry IV when he moaned, "Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?" I either didn't notice the ending or have ablated it from my consciousness. Mostly what I remember is the mud. People go around barefoot, dressed in rags, and slop around in mud. They're all pale, and the flecks of loam stand out on their flesh like some kind of skin eruption. There is no sunlight to speak of.
Best performances: Karen Allen as a wiccan and Debra Monk as the sheriff. Dominique Swain's breakthrough role was in Adrian Lyne's "Lolita," where she was physically fine, if a bit overdone for a twelve-year-old. Her acting was that of an amateur rather than a seasoned performer, though not as heart-breakingly inadequate as that of Sue Lyons in Kubrick's version of the same novel. There's no sex or nudity in this film but none of the principles deliver the goods either. It must be difficult on a person, especially a young girl, to become a public figure at an early age. Where do you go after that, given an absence of talent?
Swain's name is Inez MacBeth, for reasons I can't figure out. She's in love with a rich guy from the neighboring town. She sneaks off to boff him and talk to him about their running away together to the big, sophisticated city of Richmond, Virginia, where, one supposes, they can worship at the Confederate Museum. The rich guy dresses smoothly and treats her well. He loves her for her coarseness. But he's not really interested in running away from the Big House, especially with a married teen ager.
What's a girl to do? What this one does is, between episodes with the rich guy, schtupp the bearded handyman in order to influence him in persuading her husband to give her up for the rich guy. Something like that. I think I nodded out from time to time. He apparently misunderstands her the way the murderers misunderstood Henry IV when he moaned, "Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?" I either didn't notice the ending or have ablated it from my consciousness. Mostly what I remember is the mud. People go around barefoot, dressed in rags, and slop around in mud. They're all pale, and the flecks of loam stand out on their flesh like some kind of skin eruption. There is no sunlight to speak of.
Best performances: Karen Allen as a wiccan and Debra Monk as the sheriff. Dominique Swain's breakthrough role was in Adrian Lyne's "Lolita," where she was physically fine, if a bit overdone for a twelve-year-old. Her acting was that of an amateur rather than a seasoned performer, though not as heart-breakingly inadequate as that of Sue Lyons in Kubrick's version of the same novel. There's no sex or nudity in this film but none of the principles deliver the goods either. It must be difficult on a person, especially a young girl, to become a public figure at an early age. Where do you go after that, given an absence of talent?
Rednecks
jotix10028 August 2005
Zev Berman, the director of "Plain Dirty", or "Briar Patch" as it's identified in these pages, takes a big chance in bringing this Deborah Pryor's screen play to the screen. First of all, this is a courageous piece of film making, and the characters in the film don't exactly endear themselves to the viewer. The film is a moody attempt to present us people that are living at the edge of society with basically no redeeming qualities to them, yet, we are hooked into watching the movie until the end, no small feat Zev Berman pulls on his viewers.
We were attracted to the movie on the strength of its excellent cast. Henry Thomas is an actor that is always interesting to watch. As Edgar, he is the man obsessed with Inez, a woman he mistreats endlessly. Inez, played by Dominique Swan, makes a good contribution to the film as the girl who can't take any more of the beatings she receives from Edgar. It's clear, from the start, that Flowers is secretly in love with Inez, but being such a sorry sight, knows he can't compete with Dru, the rich guy who wants Inez for himself. Both Artie Verveen and James Urbaniak are right on the money about how they play their characters. Also, Debra Monk, who is seen as the police officer Avon is, as always, excellent.
The film sort of hypnotizes the viewer with the cinematography of Scott Kevan and the haunting score by Nathan Barr. While it's clear that this is a not a film for a lot of people, as demonstrated by the many negative comments to this forum, the least one can do is watch it with some degree of respect because the tremendous job by Zev Berman has accomplished with this movie.
We were attracted to the movie on the strength of its excellent cast. Henry Thomas is an actor that is always interesting to watch. As Edgar, he is the man obsessed with Inez, a woman he mistreats endlessly. Inez, played by Dominique Swan, makes a good contribution to the film as the girl who can't take any more of the beatings she receives from Edgar. It's clear, from the start, that Flowers is secretly in love with Inez, but being such a sorry sight, knows he can't compete with Dru, the rich guy who wants Inez for himself. Both Artie Verveen and James Urbaniak are right on the money about how they play their characters. Also, Debra Monk, who is seen as the police officer Avon is, as always, excellent.
The film sort of hypnotizes the viewer with the cinematography of Scott Kevan and the haunting score by Nathan Barr. While it's clear that this is a not a film for a lot of people, as demonstrated by the many negative comments to this forum, the least one can do is watch it with some degree of respect because the tremendous job by Zev Berman has accomplished with this movie.
Unrelenting Gothic sleaze for no reason
loggerbudd26 November 2007
What's the point? Self-consciously "profound" voice-over narration to show empty sensitivity of a lowlife girl was the first-scene warning as to how bad this thing was. But the lowlife girl was pretty till her eye got knocked out, and her men were good sleazy fun, easy on the eyes, except the blond guy, who was kind of a geek. But it's all an exercise in pointlessness and self-indulgent artiness... Hillbilly Gothic that started at the bottom and went down from there. Had a really stupid ending too, which I think was supposed to be ironic, or poetic, but was just annoying and unresolved. The direction was over-the-top portentous and pretentious, taking this pointless exercise as something profound, but not winning me over as a convert. I know the work of McCullers and O'Conner well (not to mention Faulkner), and this heavy-handed attempt at southern Gothic horror is embarrassing in its lack of substance and lack of any of the qualities of the above-mentioned. I caught it on Lifetime (Your Movie's On), and it's clear why, as that "network" has a pathology for trailer trash women in jeopardy. This one certainly fits that bill, but all serious or knowledgeable movie-watchers, beware.
Be careful what you wish for!
ruffrider7 August 2005
Young, pretty and dirt poor, Inez Macbeth lives in a squalid shack in the boonies, suffering the abuse of her criminal husband Edgar and the unwanted attentions of Edgar's repulsive, slow-witted partner Flowers, who slavers over her like a starved dog contemplating a steak bone. Inez runs around barefoot, dirty and frequently bloody from the beatings she receives from Edgar, who even chains her up. She lives only for her trips to town, where she visits a "licensed, semi-professional spiritual adviser" and her kindly and wealthy lover Drew, who plans to take her away with him.
After one particularly brutal beating by Edgar, Inez schemes to have willing dupe Flowers murder her husband and then take the blame for it himself, so she can run off with Drew. In the fallout from Edgar's murder Inez is freed of her husband, all right and even the police are happy to be rid of this criminal low-life, but Flowers turns out to be far more clever than expected, for he frames innocent, unfortunate Drew, leaving Inez with no where to go and no one to turn to, as Flowers finally takes her for himself.
This is a strong film about entrapment, desire and the wages of sin, with a good script and fine acting. Dominique Swain gives an affecting performance, managing to be sexy and fetching even under all that blood and dirt. Edgar and Flowers seem like real people - multi-dimensional and not the kind of one-sided, cardboard-cutout psychos found so often in movies. This picture is so gritty and realistic it may not suit all tastes but I highly recommend it - you may find it as powerful as I did.
After one particularly brutal beating by Edgar, Inez schemes to have willing dupe Flowers murder her husband and then take the blame for it himself, so she can run off with Drew. In the fallout from Edgar's murder Inez is freed of her husband, all right and even the police are happy to be rid of this criminal low-life, but Flowers turns out to be far more clever than expected, for he frames innocent, unfortunate Drew, leaving Inez with no where to go and no one to turn to, as Flowers finally takes her for himself.
This is a strong film about entrapment, desire and the wages of sin, with a good script and fine acting. Dominique Swain gives an affecting performance, managing to be sexy and fetching even under all that blood and dirt. Edgar and Flowers seem like real people - multi-dimensional and not the kind of one-sided, cardboard-cutout psychos found so often in movies. This picture is so gritty and realistic it may not suit all tastes but I highly recommend it - you may find it as powerful as I did.
aka "PLAIN DIRTY"
samkan27 November 2004
Doesn't deserve the horrible rating the IMDb viewers gave or nor the cold shoulder it otherwise received. Sort of a poor man's Flannery O'Connor short
story. Almost works as a character study of the poor girl at the center of the picture and, in this regard, I believe that it was the movie's creator(s)' intention not to allow our hillbilly queen to garner our sympathy . Another plus is that the characters appear genuine when they could have easily been allowed to slide
into stereotypes. Holds your interest and maintains pace despite relatively
modest plot. Satisfying to know that this mild, unpretentious entertainment was made with such a modest -possibly nominal - budget. I'm thinking that the
naysayer's just didn't have the patience or humility to enjoy this film.
story. Almost works as a character study of the poor girl at the center of the picture and, in this regard, I believe that it was the movie's creator(s)' intention not to allow our hillbilly queen to garner our sympathy . Another plus is that the characters appear genuine when they could have easily been allowed to slide
into stereotypes. Holds your interest and maintains pace despite relatively
modest plot. Satisfying to know that this mild, unpretentious entertainment was made with such a modest -possibly nominal - budget. I'm thinking that the
naysayer's just didn't have the patience or humility to enjoy this film.
Dominique Swain as an Amazon Hillbilly
aimless-4624 November 2005
Dear Mrs. Swain: I thought you would want to know that your daughter Dominique has been hanging out with those Tonic Films people in North Carolina. After they made a sequel to "Redneck Zombies" called "Cabin Fever", they talked her into starring in another one of their student productions. Although her attempt at a southern accent is absolutely hilarious, the humor is wasted because this movie, "Plain Dirty" aka "Briar Patch", is not a comedy despite some great pirate jokes after she begins wearing an eye patch.
Fortunately she keeps slipping in and out of both accent and character throughout the performance, between this and the movie's audio problems viewers will not even notice her accent. To Dominique's credit, all the other performances seriously stretch the limits of credibility so she may have simply been trying to give the movie a sense of unity.
Dominique has certainly puffed up since she left Malibu high school, she reminds me of Amanda Bynes on steroids and most likely could beat up all three effeminate actors in her movie.
Now that she is back in California maybe her acting coach can figure out a way to curb her tendency to chew the scenery, although as you know this is hardly the first time. With a patch on one eye and the other mysteriously swollen shut, she spins around and flaps her arms like Patty Duke playing Helen Keller. It would be best to keep her away from those Star Trek reruns because her style increasingly resembles William Shatner's.
I am confident Dominique has finally bottomed out with this movie, if only because the production itself is rock bottom. Which is particularly unfortunate because the original story idea was quite good, the problem was in the execution.
Fortunately she keeps slipping in and out of both accent and character throughout the performance, between this and the movie's audio problems viewers will not even notice her accent. To Dominique's credit, all the other performances seriously stretch the limits of credibility so she may have simply been trying to give the movie a sense of unity.
Dominique has certainly puffed up since she left Malibu high school, she reminds me of Amanda Bynes on steroids and most likely could beat up all three effeminate actors in her movie.
Now that she is back in California maybe her acting coach can figure out a way to curb her tendency to chew the scenery, although as you know this is hardly the first time. With a patch on one eye and the other mysteriously swollen shut, she spins around and flaps her arms like Patty Duke playing Helen Keller. It would be best to keep her away from those Star Trek reruns because her style increasingly resembles William Shatner's.
I am confident Dominique has finally bottomed out with this movie, if only because the production itself is rock bottom. Which is particularly unfortunate because the original story idea was quite good, the problem was in the execution.
RENT THIS MOVIE!
rory_keyes3 December 2004
After watching this movie and THOROUGHLY enjoying it I thought that I'd check to see how it did on it's IMDb rating and frankly, I was STUNNED! A two point four!?!? I couldn't believe it! This was one of the most surprisingly enjoyable movies that I've rented in a long, long time. Although somewhat predictable, the simplistic mix of drama and humor, the colorful characters and the original plot all elevate the quality of this movie FAR above many others I've rented recently. I can't imagine why people feel this movie deserves such a low rating, but give it a chance and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Just don't forget to come back once you've watched the movie and help to give it the rating that it deserves.
Haunting
janeeyrez28 November 2004
While it's not pleasant, it definitely sinks its hooks into you and stays for a while. This movie would be easy to dismiss as a Southern Gothic mess, but there is a fable quality that makes it hard to forget.
The performances are all very strong and the setting is excellent. In a way it's all about how our dreams possess us and motivate us, while simultaneously coming into collision with those dreamers around us. The frustration of the husband in trying to control his wife makes it easy to believe how far he's willing to go, and, therefore, how desperately she plots and conspires to be free.
You won't admire anybody's morals here, that's for sure, but you can't help empathizing with how strongly each person struggles for the vision of existence they wish to achieve.
The performances are all very strong and the setting is excellent. In a way it's all about how our dreams possess us and motivate us, while simultaneously coming into collision with those dreamers around us. The frustration of the husband in trying to control his wife makes it easy to believe how far he's willing to go, and, therefore, how desperately she plots and conspires to be free.
You won't admire anybody's morals here, that's for sure, but you can't help empathizing with how strongly each person struggles for the vision of existence they wish to achieve.
Disingenuous.....
MarieGabrielle19 November 2006
It seems this film was created with a certain assumption, and demographic in mind. As a person who has moved to the area (temporarily) I can only say- watch "I Walk the Line" instead.
This film is a fraud. Producers have no story, so create a ragamuffin who is abused. I do like Dominique Swain, but this film is awful. No performance could transcend the dearth of material. I am only being honest. If you are really interested in decent acting, rural settings, and the theme of unrequited love, there are so many more choices.
Seriously, if cinema has fallen this low that American audiences are expected to sympathize with a trashy, undeveloped and practically non-existent theme; then we may as well never pay money to see any drama offered to the American public. This is unadulterated trash, and any audience deserves better. One star for Swain.
This film is a fraud. Producers have no story, so create a ragamuffin who is abused. I do like Dominique Swain, but this film is awful. No performance could transcend the dearth of material. I am only being honest. If you are really interested in decent acting, rural settings, and the theme of unrequited love, there are so many more choices.
Seriously, if cinema has fallen this low that American audiences are expected to sympathize with a trashy, undeveloped and practically non-existent theme; then we may as well never pay money to see any drama offered to the American public. This is unadulterated trash, and any audience deserves better. One star for Swain.
Intriguing and Grimy
clashcity1927 January 2007
First of all, I really enjoy Dominique Swain in a very dramatic role like this one. Her emotions range perfectly from spastic to sultry to smart. I was very entertained by her performance in this film. I caught it on TV and found myself getting annoyed with the commercial breaks. I would love to see it unedited. The film reminded me very much of a Flannery O'Connor story. It was deranged and twisted, as her stories often are, and it had the Southern tragedy down pat.
I wish I had known of this film sooner. It didn't have a huge budget, I am sure. It was still very, very entertaining. I recognized many of the other actors such as Flowers and Edgar from other films and thought they were cast well for the roles they played. Strange and fascinating story that would seem unbelievable to most, which is what gives it such intrigue.
I wish I had known of this film sooner. It didn't have a huge budget, I am sure. It was still very, very entertaining. I recognized many of the other actors such as Flowers and Edgar from other films and thought they were cast well for the roles they played. Strange and fascinating story that would seem unbelievable to most, which is what gives it such intrigue.
Where's Billy Bob & Gatsby
RobinCook705 December 2005
My heavens, why such a low star score!! This was a very well done movie in all aspects of theater, given the storyline plot is one commonly hackneyed. This movie isn't in the Cat On A Hot Tin Roof notch, but it sure did play a close second in the intensity department! This wasn't of the style of Billy Bob Thornton in Chrystal or Redford in Gatsby, but you got the hillbilly gal semi-tushing her way into the wishful richer world and get out of her backwoods living. The direction, casting, styles and acting were all topnotch and keeps you anticipating more unto the very end. I do get weary of movies using cornfields as inexpensive scenes in these types (and others) of movies (and it was a little whacked to see a Kansas type cornfield not far from a swamp), but it fit well in this movie for the short use they made of it with Officer Avon and Flowers characters ... it was ideal for that particular important scene and it set a motif for next scenes very well. Photography was done very well with good angles, and for once! a decent background music score. I do get weary of dueling banjos even though I really like it, but it wouldn't be suitable to have an association of Deliverance here. It was just all very well put together and the movie just flows.
Too many movies have come across with backwood hicks being stupid or racists and other such stereotyping. This movie put more meat into the character developments with serious and calculated depth. Even tho the Inez character obviously had a hard streak about her, her manipulations were upfront and honest, with rational reasoning to stomp her steps through the movie. You can't help but like, admire and pity her and yet be accompanied by dismay (and minor frustration, but not annoyingly so) of her intellectual limitations to step out of her bad situation with a better solution. However, that doesn't happen in life and this movie albeit intense, was a refreshing straying from stereotyping of a battered and abused woman. I liken this movie to the level of the movie Tim, with Mel Gibson, whereby the characters are portrayed with specific complex and simplistic limitations/boundaries giving the audience the decision of forming their own separate opinion(s) of each characterization instead of the director "telling" you this-or-that is what you should be thinking.
Would I watch this movie again? I probably wouldn't rent it again, but would watch it again, but would need to be mentally geared for another viewing. This was a rather deep movie to take the first time around, and is probably why others gave it a lower score. I would recommend watching it, but would say if you're more into less mental type movies, this would not be your cup of tea.
Too many movies have come across with backwood hicks being stupid or racists and other such stereotyping. This movie put more meat into the character developments with serious and calculated depth. Even tho the Inez character obviously had a hard streak about her, her manipulations were upfront and honest, with rational reasoning to stomp her steps through the movie. You can't help but like, admire and pity her and yet be accompanied by dismay (and minor frustration, but not annoyingly so) of her intellectual limitations to step out of her bad situation with a better solution. However, that doesn't happen in life and this movie albeit intense, was a refreshing straying from stereotyping of a battered and abused woman. I liken this movie to the level of the movie Tim, with Mel Gibson, whereby the characters are portrayed with specific complex and simplistic limitations/boundaries giving the audience the decision of forming their own separate opinion(s) of each characterization instead of the director "telling" you this-or-that is what you should be thinking.
Would I watch this movie again? I probably wouldn't rent it again, but would watch it again, but would need to be mentally geared for another viewing. This was a rather deep movie to take the first time around, and is probably why others gave it a lower score. I would recommend watching it, but would say if you're more into less mental type movies, this would not be your cup of tea.
Romantic but loved it anyway
babywatson16 July 2005
I don't usually like romance movies. They drive me up a wall. Same with romance books. But perhaps because this was romantic in a weird way, I did really like it.
Swain plays a down-and-out white trash girl in Virginia, married to a creep named Edgar who robs stores to keep themselves afloat. They don't give you a background as to why she ever married this creep, but the bloom has worn off the rose and she just wants to get away from him now.
She's in love with a very pale young man who is a lawyer in their small Southern town. He's a big fish in a small pond and more to offer her then she's ever seen in her whole white trash life.
Edgar also has a best friend, a guy named "Flowers", for what reason I can't imagine, who hangs around Edgar and his wife all the time. Flowers is infatuated with Inez, Edgar's wife, but she finds him repulsive. He really is, at first--you have to look hard through all the dirt and bad clothing and beard to recognize pretty nice-looking Ari Verveen.
Edgar knows Inez is in love with someone else and after a fight, decides to keep her prisoner in her own house by chaining her to her bed at night and to the sofa daily, with Flowers standing guard while Edgar goes and does whatever it is he does.
Inez manages to convince Flowers to help her to get away from Edgar by murdering him for her. He doesn't really need a lot of convincing, since he wants her for himself.
These people are completely amoral and trashy, but there is still a beautiful kind of poetic romance to Flower's love for Inez. I loved the movie. Even if you hate romances, you may find it great too.
Swain plays a down-and-out white trash girl in Virginia, married to a creep named Edgar who robs stores to keep themselves afloat. They don't give you a background as to why she ever married this creep, but the bloom has worn off the rose and she just wants to get away from him now.
She's in love with a very pale young man who is a lawyer in their small Southern town. He's a big fish in a small pond and more to offer her then she's ever seen in her whole white trash life.
Edgar also has a best friend, a guy named "Flowers", for what reason I can't imagine, who hangs around Edgar and his wife all the time. Flowers is infatuated with Inez, Edgar's wife, but she finds him repulsive. He really is, at first--you have to look hard through all the dirt and bad clothing and beard to recognize pretty nice-looking Ari Verveen.
Edgar knows Inez is in love with someone else and after a fight, decides to keep her prisoner in her own house by chaining her to her bed at night and to the sofa daily, with Flowers standing guard while Edgar goes and does whatever it is he does.
Inez manages to convince Flowers to help her to get away from Edgar by murdering him for her. He doesn't really need a lot of convincing, since he wants her for himself.
These people are completely amoral and trashy, but there is still a beautiful kind of poetic romance to Flower's love for Inez. I loved the movie. Even if you hate romances, you may find it great too.
Macbeth on a Hot Tin Roof
Cisero5 November 2005
You can't argue with the crisp, moody cinematography, the "Dead Man Walking" soundtrack or the weirdly perfect obsessed performance of "Flowers" by Irish actor Arie Verveen. The wardrobe department made sure that fans of Miss Swain won't be disappointed. The film swings back and forth to contrast the class differences of the South. Intense swampy desire loosely outlined by a Shakespearean theme? What's not to like here people?
I don't think the Lolita comments in other reviews apply to the plot in this film. Other than Dominique Swain's role in that film, this is not a similar story what-so-ever.
I don't think the Lolita comments in other reviews apply to the plot in this film. Other than Dominique Swain's role in that film, this is not a similar story what-so-ever.
Surprisingly good
Craig-97 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I stumbled onto this on a Saturday afternoon on the Starz channel on TV and I don't know just why I stuck with it, but I'm glad I did. As others have mentioned, there's something about this film that casts a spell on viewers and holds their attention. It is a surprisingly moving story that builds to a great resolution in the rain. Dominique Swain is a young woman, promised her "true love," by a local seer played by Karen Allen (of Raiders of the Lost Ark fame). Since Swain is already involved in an affair with a local businessman, she naturally assumes him to be the one. Unfortunately, she's married to an abusive lout, played by Henry Thomas of all people, who keeps her chained up in their run-down shack whiles he's out committing petty crimes with his pal Flowers (Arie Verveen). Swain manipulates things so that her husband winds up dead and she can leave with her businessman beau, only to be confronted with her real true love during the climactic rainstorm. Some very real acting and believable characters and a slow-moving yet powerful story combine into something very special. This is a true under-the-radar gem.
A Great Film for Film Connoisseurs
axa-730 December 2005
OK, I have strange tastes. That aside, this is an amazing film with an unfortunate title that doesn't give a hint of the quality of the material. Really, those who have a broad background in theatre and cinema will appreciate the beauty and genius of the writing and directing.
There are so many strong dramatic elements at play. It draws on the techniques of Shakespeare, Tennesee Williams, Eugene O'Neill. It is also a striking contemporary example of a full blown Greek Tragedy, highlighting the wide spectrum and subtleties of human nature. It deftly plays off opposites showing the dark and light sides of the characters and over the course of the film it clearly reveals the dawning of their understanding and finally the shining light of realization is played out in tragic and symbolic semi-blindness.
In my opinion this film is certainly a masterpiece if not a Masterpiece.
There are so many strong dramatic elements at play. It draws on the techniques of Shakespeare, Tennesee Williams, Eugene O'Neill. It is also a striking contemporary example of a full blown Greek Tragedy, highlighting the wide spectrum and subtleties of human nature. It deftly plays off opposites showing the dark and light sides of the characters and over the course of the film it clearly reveals the dawning of their understanding and finally the shining light of realization is played out in tragic and symbolic semi-blindness.
In my opinion this film is certainly a masterpiece if not a Masterpiece.
I was deeply moved by this film.
msf2003 June 2004
I felt a deep emotional connection to this film. I thought the cinematography was brilliant and in tune with the tone of this film. It was almost as if the film was painted frame by frame. One scene seemed to flow so naturally into the next. The performances by the cast were also stellar. I was shocked and moved by Dominique's performance, having seen her in her previous lighter, funnier films, I thought this film was a beautiful vehicle for her many talents. And I enjoyed viewing Arie Verveen, who played Flowers in the film, for the first time in a feature film. By the end of the movie, I was so attached to the character of Flowers, I found myself wanting to jump into the movie itself and hug him in the rain. --- Beyond all destruction there is love.
Underrated rough gem
samiyam8 May 2005
Arie Verveen seems so filthy and stupid when the film begins and the sets and settings of the movie show such filth and unpleasant sights that the viewers begin to be disgusted. Watching the movie, I felt as if I was afraid to touch any surface and I felt that I needed a scrub-brush or a hose. These feelings, however, shouldn't allow the viewer to see that the movie is a fantastic psychological thriller under the surface. Arie Verveen, evoking the ghost of Brando, delves deeply into the character of his part to show how you never know what's what or who someone truly is until you get beyond the skin. Strong performances by Dominique Swain as the childlike bride, Henry Thomas as the brutal husband Edgar and Karen Allen as the modern-day witchwoman down the lane add depth to an already deep pond. An interesting viewing, I'm looking forward to more from Deborah Pryor, who provided a very well-made story.
With this darkly magical tale of true love and murder, Director Zev Berman establishes himself as a creative force to be reckoned with.
everythingpink7 June 2004
This is one of those films. The kind that stays with you for days. Continues to haunt you with the beauty of its images. Stirs up a chilling current of passion that begs to be released. One of those films that unfurls too much raw beauty not be considered a work of art.
"Plain Dirty" is the first feature film (hard to believe) for AFI grad, Director Zev Berman. A rare literary & visual triumph, this film delivers the richness of Southern landscape with a cinematic finery rarely achieved. From the opening title sequence to the last leaf of the Briar Patch, Berman proves himself a true master of detail.
Combined with an emotive, suspenseful score, & a playfully sinister aura, "Plain Dirty" beckons us into its Southern Gothic world. This artful tale of true love and murder (never so magically linked) is layered with the nuance of a brilliant, young director. With references to age-old allegories, the language of "Plain Dirty" almost sings with description - thanks to screenwriter, Deborah Pryor.
Berman shows the gentle & poetic restraint of a true veteran of cinema and will certainly be one to watch in the next decade of film-making. He seems to make his points in fitful stabs that penetrate your consciousness. But, a nurturer, he is quick to temper the audience's pain with humor - the kind that is born from the tragedy of real life. In this case, Southern life.
A charismatic & daring director, Berman also instinctively knows when to leave his audience to its own imagery. He teasingly pans away from a much-anticipated sex scene with Dominique Swain's character, "Inez." A less mature, showy director might have "sold out" for the almost expected flash of flesh. (Particularly with leading lady, Swain, known for her erotic debut in "Lolita.")
Instead, one is struck by Berman's control, his ability to whet the audience's appetite. And leave us panting in our seats for more.
Berman clearly has tremendous communication with his actors. Under his direction, Swain gives a tour-de-force performance that brings her (thankfully) out of her role as "teeny-bopper sex-film Goddess," and into the realm of serious actor. In "Plain Dirty," she transcends stereotypes with the raw grit and youthful anguish of a respected performer. Emotional territory previously unclaimed by her.
The juxtaposition of all of these riveting elements proves startling. And not to be missed. "Plain Dirty" is not only a work of art, but an incredible vehicle to launch Director, Zev Berman, into the forefront of today's film scene. From the likes of Berman, this is only the beginning . . .
"Plain Dirty" is the first feature film (hard to believe) for AFI grad, Director Zev Berman. A rare literary & visual triumph, this film delivers the richness of Southern landscape with a cinematic finery rarely achieved. From the opening title sequence to the last leaf of the Briar Patch, Berman proves himself a true master of detail.
Combined with an emotive, suspenseful score, & a playfully sinister aura, "Plain Dirty" beckons us into its Southern Gothic world. This artful tale of true love and murder (never so magically linked) is layered with the nuance of a brilliant, young director. With references to age-old allegories, the language of "Plain Dirty" almost sings with description - thanks to screenwriter, Deborah Pryor.
Berman shows the gentle & poetic restraint of a true veteran of cinema and will certainly be one to watch in the next decade of film-making. He seems to make his points in fitful stabs that penetrate your consciousness. But, a nurturer, he is quick to temper the audience's pain with humor - the kind that is born from the tragedy of real life. In this case, Southern life.
A charismatic & daring director, Berman also instinctively knows when to leave his audience to its own imagery. He teasingly pans away from a much-anticipated sex scene with Dominique Swain's character, "Inez." A less mature, showy director might have "sold out" for the almost expected flash of flesh. (Particularly with leading lady, Swain, known for her erotic debut in "Lolita.")
Instead, one is struck by Berman's control, his ability to whet the audience's appetite. And leave us panting in our seats for more.
Berman clearly has tremendous communication with his actors. Under his direction, Swain gives a tour-de-force performance that brings her (thankfully) out of her role as "teeny-bopper sex-film Goddess," and into the realm of serious actor. In "Plain Dirty," she transcends stereotypes with the raw grit and youthful anguish of a respected performer. Emotional territory previously unclaimed by her.
The juxtaposition of all of these riveting elements proves startling. And not to be missed. "Plain Dirty" is not only a work of art, but an incredible vehicle to launch Director, Zev Berman, into the forefront of today's film scene. From the likes of Berman, this is only the beginning . . .
An unexpected delight
auroreden31 July 2006
Maybe it's because I came into this film with no idea what to expect, because I saw it "clean", without anybody's opinions to sway me one way or another, but my overall reaction was of very, very pleasant surprise. Delight, even. Well, it is always a delight to discover hidden treasure and this is no exception.
With this subject matter it could well have gone otherwise. But director Zev Berman was clearly in charge, deftly cutting a path through the swamp and deep into the psyches of his edgy, creepy and nonetheless poignant cast of characters. Yes, they are well-known, these backwoods types, but the acting and especially the fine, teasing character of Flowers as he unveiled the scheming intelligence and grand purpose behind his initial apparent "slowness", kept them from being clichéd.
Indeed, Arie Verveen's performance alone was worth the price of admission. But all of the actors' emotional commitment to their roles was palpable. The scene in which Edgar erupts in rage at his pathetic life and takes it out on Inez was particularly hard to watch, but because of that extremely effective. Less intense, but equally compelling were the tension and contrast between Inez' life with Edgar and her dream life in town.
The setting was atmospheric in that wonderfully sordid and creepy Southern Gothic kind of way. At the same time the cinematography brought a dark, elegant clarity to the scenery, and the intelligent score enhanced the emotional content without intruding on the experience.
Overall, as I said at the outset, this film dances a fine line that could have ended in the land of stereotype and unintentionally laughable characterizations. But the line held, and the fact that it was so fine made the experience all the more clever, edgy and provocative. There is a smart, discerning eye and a sure hand at work here, and I for one look forward to Zev Berman's next opus.
With this subject matter it could well have gone otherwise. But director Zev Berman was clearly in charge, deftly cutting a path through the swamp and deep into the psyches of his edgy, creepy and nonetheless poignant cast of characters. Yes, they are well-known, these backwoods types, but the acting and especially the fine, teasing character of Flowers as he unveiled the scheming intelligence and grand purpose behind his initial apparent "slowness", kept them from being clichéd.
Indeed, Arie Verveen's performance alone was worth the price of admission. But all of the actors' emotional commitment to their roles was palpable. The scene in which Edgar erupts in rage at his pathetic life and takes it out on Inez was particularly hard to watch, but because of that extremely effective. Less intense, but equally compelling were the tension and contrast between Inez' life with Edgar and her dream life in town.
The setting was atmospheric in that wonderfully sordid and creepy Southern Gothic kind of way. At the same time the cinematography brought a dark, elegant clarity to the scenery, and the intelligent score enhanced the emotional content without intruding on the experience.
Overall, as I said at the outset, this film dances a fine line that could have ended in the land of stereotype and unintentionally laughable characterizations. But the line held, and the fact that it was so fine made the experience all the more clever, edgy and provocative. There is a smart, discerning eye and a sure hand at work here, and I for one look forward to Zev Berman's next opus.
Haunting southern Gothic movie..I loved it!
katdussell30 March 2016
I love this movie!! The first time I caught it on late night TV, and it really stuck with me for some reason so I went out and picked up the DVD..it's been one of my favs ever since, and it's the kind of movie you can watch over and over. The cast is great, acting convincing, the story is raw, and I love the imagery of the chains, blindness, dirtiness, etc. the costuming and sets are genius in that you cannot tell what time period it is..it could be the 50s, or the 80s, or modern. It's one of the most romantic movies I've seen in awhile, especially if you are sick of the whole sickly-sweet formulaic romantic comedies these days. I have no idea why this isn't better known or rated because it's very haunting and gritty and the music is also fantastic. If you love southern Gothic Indy masterpieces you will LOVE this!
Mesmerising
screamingfoot19 August 2011
I watched this all the way through one night until about 2am and couldn't look away. Dominique Swain is phenomenal as the lead in this film and I have to say, I've yet to see a better portrayal of Southern white trash than that depicted by Swain and her counterpart. To use a film review cliché (that I hate), Swain "sizzles" in this film. There are SO many layers to her performance, I'm dumbfounded as to why she's not being cast in more mainstream films.
The writing in particular has some really nice poetic aspects to it which were a welcome element.
All aspects of the film are top notch - writing, score, production design, cinematography - it's ALL good.
.
The writing in particular has some really nice poetic aspects to it which were a welcome element.
All aspects of the film are top notch - writing, score, production design, cinematography - it's ALL good.
.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
